Veterinarian Always "had a Thing for Animals"

Dr. Paul Donovan, an associate veterinarian at Alburtis Animal Hospital, is easily motivated to come to work each day because of the people he meets.

“It’s different every single day,” Donovan said. “We get to be a part of people’s lives by being in their family … We get to know so many people and meet new ones every day.”

Alburtis Animal Hospital on Main Street in Alburtis treats cats and dogs, but refers people to other veterinarians for “pocket pets,” Donovan said, such as guinea pigs.

Donovan, a veterinarian for 30 years, knew in elementary school what he wanted to be when he grew up. “I just always had a thing for animals,” he said. “It started with frogs and toads, and it grew from there.”

The 58-year-old Emmaus resident did his undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and then graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

He spent three years working as a veterinarian in Allentown followed by five years in Bethlehem. Then, 22 years ago, he and his wife, Teri, a bookkeeper, founded the Alburtis Animal Hospital. Teri Donovan has since retired.

Dr. Daniel Smith became the owner of the Alburtis Animal Hospital in January 2011. In addition to Donovan, Dr. Ashley Walker also is an associate veterinarian in the practice.

It isn’t unusual to see the employees’ pets hanging out at Alburtis Animal Hospital.

“We know what it’s like for a dog to sit at home,” Donovan said, explaining why employees are permitted to bring their pets to work.

“We have the luxury of having an area where they can hang low and play with one another. Having a happy pet makes for a happy staff.”